“Today our industry still struggles to be inclusive. Hollywood feels like a private party, and if you’re not on the list it’s very difficult to penetrate that velvet rope,” Jeff Friday, founder of the American Black Film Festival, explains to the audience.
Due to the latest controversy of plans on boycotting the 2016 Oscars (stirred up by lack of representation of African American nominees in the 2016 Golden Globe Awards), now seems like a more appropriate time than ever for BET to partner up with the American Black Film Festival to credit many of these great actors and filmmakers talent’s that went unrecognized.
On February 23rd, 2016 at 8 p.m. (EST/PST) the ABFF Awards: A Celebration of Hollywood, hosted by Mike Epps, was aired on BET and Centric for thousands of viewers to see black culture and excellence being celebrated by actors and filmmakers, who also got their well-deserved recognition.
One major highlight of the ceremony was Ryan Coogler, director and co-writer of "Creed," and director of "Fruitvale Station," becoming the recipient of the Rising Star Award. This moment was long overdue for Coogler, who was not recognized in Sylvester Stallone’s Golden Globes acceptance speech (which he later apologized for) for Best Supporting Actor in "Creed." Not only did he forget to mention Coogler, but Stallone also failed to acknowledge the actor he supported, Michael B. Jordin. How do you do that?!
Nonetheless, Coogler remained humble and grateful during his Rising Star Award acceptance speech, stating: “It started with me going pro because another black man recognized me and built me up.” This other “black man” that he was referring to was the well-respected Jeff Friday.
The ceremony shined a bright light on other honorees including Diahann Carroll (Hollywood Legacy Award recipient), Don Cheadle (Excellence in the Arts Award recipient), Regina King (Excellence in the Arts Award recipient), and Will Packer (Alumni Achievement Award recipient).
Great independent films were also highlighted, including, "Beasts of No Nation," "Chi-Raq," and "Dope."
ABC’s Black-ish literally stole the show, beating out "Being Mary Jane," "Empire," "How To Get Away With Murder," and "Power" for the Show of the Year award.
Ice Cube also gave a heartfelt speech alongside his son O'Shea Jackson Jr, reflecting on how much it meant to him and the "Straight Outta Compton" cast/crew to win the Film of the Year award.
“This is our favorite award. We ain’t worried about no other awards,” Ice Cube stated. “I just want us to celebrate who we are, that we’re here today, that we can share our talents, and that we can love each other.”
During June 15th-19th, gifted black actors and filmmakers nationwide will once again get the exciting opportunity to come together and celebrate their talents during the 20th anniversary of the American Black Film Festival held in South Beach Miami.
